Book of Leviticus - Chapter 16 - Verse 8

In this verse, Aaron, the high priest, is instructed to cast lots upon two goats. One goat is selected by lot to be sacrificed to the Lord, while the other is chosen as the scapegoat. The scapegoat represents the sins of the people being removed and carried away into the wilderness. This ritual of casting lots ensured that the selection of the goats was left to chance and was seen as a way for God to make the choice known. The concept of using lots in this context demonstrates the importance of divine intervention in the selection process. By designating one goat for sacrifice and another as the scapegoat, the Israelites were symbolically transferring their sins onto the scapegoat, which would then be sent away into the wilderness, signifying the removal of sin from the community. This ritual played a significant role in the atonement process and served as a reminder of God's forgiveness and mercy towards His people.

In this verse from Leviticus 16:8, Aaron is instructed to cast lots upon two goats, one for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat. The casting of lots was a method used to make decisions or seek divine guidance in ancient times. This passage symbolizes the concept of atonement and the removal of sins from the Jewish community. The goat chosen for the Lord would be sacrificed as a sin offering, representing the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins. The scapegoat, on the other hand, would have the sins of the people placed upon it and be sent away into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of sins from the community. This ritual foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would one day become the ultimate sin offering for humanity, taking on the sins of the world and offering redemption to all who believe in him.